Coroutine: meaning, definitions and examples

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coroutine

[ˌkɔːrəˈtiːn ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

programming concept

A coroutine is a general control structure whereby flow control is cooperatively passed between the various routines within a program. Unlike regular subroutines, coroutines can yield control back to the caller and resume later, allowing for asynchronous programming models and scalable applications.

Synonyms

asynchronous function, generator, task.

Examples of usage

The coroutine handles multiple tasks simultaneously.
Using coroutines simplifies the state management of the program.
Coroutines are commonly used in game development for handling animations.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'coroutine' was coined by computer scientist Melvin Conway in 1958, combining 'cor' (meaning together) with 'routine' (a sequence of instructions).
The original concept was inspired by the idea of coroutines in programming languages like LISP, a language developed in the late 1950s.

Computer Science

Coroutines help manage concurrent tasks by allowing a program to pause and resume functions, improving efficiency in multi-tasking environments.
They are commonly used in modern programming languages, such as Python and JavaScript, for handling asynchronous operations like network requests and animations.

Pop Culture

The concept of coroutines has influenced various programming tutorials and memes in developer communities, often humorously likening them to juggling multiple balls.
Some popular video games use coroutines to manage complex animations and game states, enabling smooth transitions and interactions without lag.

Psychology

The mental model of switching tasks, similar to how coroutines manage functions, reflects our brains' capabilities to handle multiple threads of thought, though not as efficiently as computers.
Research in cognitive psychology suggests that humans often struggle with multitasking, whereas coroutines are designed to operate seamlessly without 'overloading.'

Literature

Coroutines can be likened to collaborative storytelling, where multiple authors add to the narrative at different times, each influencing the story's direction.
Some programming textbooks use storytelling techniques to explain coroutines, making the often technical subject more relatable.